They have just unveiled new images of a colossal structure hidden beneath Stonehenge.
In a groundbreaking revelation that could rewrite the history of prehistoric Britain, archaeologists have unveiled stunning new images of a colossal structure lying beneath the earth near Stonehenge. Dubbed “Super Stonehenge,” this monumental site, discovered by the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project, is estimated to be an astonishing 15 times larger than the iconic Stonehenge itself.
On September 7, 2015, researchers announced this extraordinary find, which has remained hidden for millennia, less than a mile and a half from the famed stone circle. Utilizing cutting-edge multi-sensor technology, the team uncovered evidence of up to 90 massive standing stones buried beneath the Earthbanks of Durrington Walls, one of the largest henge monuments in the world. This ancient site, measuring 500 meters in diameter and dating back approximately 4,500 years, was previously thought to be primarily an earthen and timber structure.
The newly revealed stones, some potentially reaching heights of 4.5 meters (nearly 15 feet), were likely pushed over and covered by the earthbank that now forms the henge, preserving them in an extraordinary state. This preservation offers a rare opportunity for researchers to delve into the lives, rituals, and engineering feats of Neolithic societies.
The design of the buried monument is particularly striking, forming a C-shaped arena aligned with a natural depression near the River Avon. This alignment suggests a significant connection to water and fertility, indicating that the site may have served as a ceremonial gathering place. The discovery of a nearby “Cuckoo Stone,” a large sarsen sandstone boulder, hints at the local origins of the other stones, emphasizing the unique cultural practices of the builders.
Prior to this revelation, archaeologists believed that only Stonehenge and a smaller henge linked to it contained significant stone structures. The latest findings challenge this assumption, indicating that Durrington Walls had an earlier phase marked by monumental stones, elevating its status to one of Britain’s most extraordinary prehistoric sites.
The implications of this discovery are immense. The sheer size of the buried monument and its alignment with the Avon suggest it played a central role in the ceremonial landscape of Neolithic Britain. It is no longer just a neighbor to Stonehenge; it stands as a monument of equal, if not greater, importance.
The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project has unveiled a treasure trove of hidden history, revealing that the area surrounding Stonehenge is teeming with previously unknown archaeological monuments. With advanced digital mapping techniques, archaeologists have found 17 new ritual monuments from the same period as the iconic stone circle, indicating that Stonehenge was part of a much larger ceremonial landscape.
The discoveries extend beyond prehistoric times, revealing remnants of First World War practice trenches and the remains of RAF Stonehenge, one of Britain’s earliest military air bases. This ongoing research demonstrates that the landscape of Stonehenge is a dynamic hub of human activity and adaptation spanning over 11,000 years.
As the excitement surrounding these findings continues to build, experts stress the groundbreaking nature of the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project. The unprecedented data obtained through modern technology has transformed our understanding of this ancient site, ensuring that the mysteries of the Stonehenge landscape will captivate researchers and the public for generations to come. The revelations remind us that even in well-studied areas, remarkable secrets remain buried, waiting to be uncovered. The story of Stonehenge is far from complete, and the newly discovered “Super Stonehenge” adds yet another layer of intrigue to this iconic monument.